Description
A rich and comforting Chicken Kiev-inspired pasta dish combining tender sautéed chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and crispy buttered breadcrumbs, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful texture contrast and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds (680g) chicken breast, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- ½ cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Stir in Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce. Add the drained pasta as well. Toss everything to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Create Breadcrumb Topping: In a small pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using fresh garlic is key for the sauce’s rich flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- The reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- For added brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice can be added to the sauce before serving.
- Breadcrumbs can be seasoned with a pinch of salt or herbs for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
